Dancing With the Stars Pro Mark Ballas Describes "Grueling" Training

Right now, the Dancing With the Stars Powers That Be are probably going down the call list to find celebs for the the spring 2014 Season 18.

It seems like a great learning and life experience, but any stars thinking of enlisting for sequin duty have to know what they're getting into. It's not all good times and sweet paychecks.

Two-time champ Mark Ballas talked to HuffPost Live about the training for all stars, whether they have previous dance experience or not.

"It's grueling," Mark admitted. "Even if they have had some training in the past, even if you've been on a Broadway show, nothing will prepare you for this. Even professional dancers that want to take up ballroom dancing, it's a whole different language. So especially for someone that's never had dance experience, it can be up to 12 — I've had 15 hour days. I've been in there all day, just like sweating it out, little half hour lunch breaks."

You have to teach the celebs so much, and it just takes time. Mark said he's a pretty patient person and you have to be aware of how your partner is faring. If, say, her eyes are glazing over, it's time to call it a night. He's had some natural partners that pick things up quickly (his two Olympian winners come to mind), and others who have struggled (Oh, Bristol). "For me as a coach, as long as you give me your focus and your determination and you really put in 100 percent, then that's all I can really ask for."

And a third Mirror Ball trophy. He'd probably be OK asking for one of those. Why not? His BFF Derek Hough has five!

If you were famous(ish) and got a call from DWTS, would you do the show? If not, why not? If so, which pro partner would you want?